NEWSROOM

TU breaks enrollment record

USM, state of Maryland identify Towson as 'growth campus'

TOWSON, Md. (Sept. 22, 2006)—Towson University welcomed nearly 2,700 new freshmen and 1,650 transfer students to swell its enrollment to close to 19,000 this fall. This represents an increase of 910 students over the fall 2005 enrollment.

The University System of Maryland and the state of Maryland identified Towson University as Maryland’s “growth campus” and committed financial resources to support the growth. Towson was provided the opportunity to accept the expanded student population as part of its mission as Maryland’s Metropolitan University. The university is prepared for growth and will open a new residence hall in fall 2008.

“It is truly impressive that we not only achieved, but exceeded, our growth target," President Robert L. Caret said. "Everyone worked exceptionally hard to bring our new students in and make them feel a part of the campus community. Our core value of offering quality programs to motivated students in a 'small school' atmosphere has not been compromised.”

Provost James Brennan was also pleased with the quality of the incoming students. The average GPA for the freshmen class was 3.47, and Honors College students averaged 3.9. He said transfer students accounted for about 40 percent of the growth this fall.

“This is a triumph for the entire Towson team—from admissions to enrollment management to marketing—working together to take advantage of the opportunity that was presented to us. We delivered, but not at the expense of our academic programs or our student body. We are proud of the quality of both,” Brennan said.

Brennan said academic departments increased the number of course sections and hired 35 full-time tenure track faculty to accommodate the growth, which is expected to continue with state support over the next several years.